Download Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum with Canthacur

Adult & Pediatric
Dermatology
Summit Dermatology
Kevin Whaley, MD
PC
8890 N. Union Blvd.
Suite #207
Colo. Spgs., CO 80920
719.667.0888
719.667.0808
ph
fx
www.summitdermatology.com
TREATMENT OF MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM
WITH CANTHACUR
1. Your dermatologist has determined that your Molluscum may begin to resolve using a topical
therapy known as Canthacur. This agent is used to induce blister formation, which will hasten
the shedding of the Molluscum as well as trigger an immune response to help your body fight
this infection.
2. Blister formation is an expected and desirable effect of this treatment. It is not necessary to contact
our office when blisters develop. The blisters may be gently opened during bathing, if desired.
3. Care of the blisters consists of keeping them clean. Application of 3% hydrogen peroxide on a clean
Q-tip may be used to protect the open skin. A Band-Aid may be applied to cover the treated area.
4. The medication should be washed off of the treated area within 4 to 24 hours. If your skin is fair
or large blisters formed with the last treatment, wash within 2 hours using soap and water.
5. Some discomfort may occur when the blisters form. You may treat this discomfort with the
medications you would use for headaches, etc. such as Tylenol or Advil. If the patient is a child,
follow the instructions on the label closely for correct dosing according to age and weight.
6. Regular bathing or swimming are allowed after therapy, although the medication should be allowed
to stay on for at least 4 hours to be effective.
7. If the patient has a difficult time sleeping after the application of the Canthacur due to discomfort,
consider giving a nighttime dose of Benadryl. Be certain to follow the instructions carefully with
regard to the proper dose of the patient’s age and weight.
8. Generally, several treatments with Canthacur are necessary to clear the Molluscum, especially if
there are several Molluscum or the Molluscum have been present for months. If too long a delay
occurs between treatments (more than 4 weeks) the treatment becomes less effective.
9. Like any viral condition, there is no specific or guaranteed therapy for Molluscum. Part of the
ability to get rid of Molluscum lies in the patient’s immune response to Molluscum. Often, this
response does not develop in children until the teenage years.
Molluscum is contagious. Bathing with others is not recommended if Molluscum is present.